166 of the
1,321 complaints filed about the Volvo S80
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2000.
The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed Central Electronic Module (CEM). The contact was informed that the CEM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11758318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] I was driving from Opelika, AL to Birmingham, AL. About 20 miles from home while driving on [XXX] in the left lane, my car would not accelerate. I pushe9 it down to the floor and there was no gas, so I had to get over to the right lane while rolling to get out of danger of the traffic and large trucks. MY car has been towed three time in about 3 month in 2025. I had it towed from my work parking lot twice because it would not crank. We bought new batteries, changed out the key batteries and this last incident. We had just got the car out of the shop for a fuel pump & fuel pump control module. (see receipt). I learned there was a Safety Recall from the NHTSA. However, when I called only to learn that my car had not been recalled. Therefore, I am quite confused because the safety issue recall no 09V343000 for 2010,S80 appears to be having the same issue. the software within the Central Electronic module (CEM) is not sending the signal to the fuel pump that was just replaced to the electronic module (PEM). The missing signal to the PEM inhibits the start of the fuel pump. This was a very frightening experience having a car stop on the highway while in the fast lane. Now the fear of it happening again is quite frightening, that's why I confused as to the seriousness of this electrical system software issue is not being taken for granted on my vehicle. If it was a problem for some, why would it not be a problem for all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight electrical system. Humidity may damage the exposed wires and cause bulb failure or wire overheating. The wiring harnesses may also overheat. The wire insulation problem was confirmed by an independent service center on multiple cars of this model.
NHTSA complaint #11681205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The air bag warning randomly popped up on my screen. They will not deploy if I get into a wreck. Non working air bag. I also have issues that come and go with the electrical component. Sometimes my door won't open, sometimes my seats won't move, and my license plate light is out due to something electrical. My gas tank spits gas back at me and makes weird noises sometimes.
NHTSA complaint #11540556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The warning, charging failure service urgent is displayed the service engine light comes on. Several mechanics have not be able to repair. The front passenger seat belt is not stable to fasten properly. The TMPS has yet another warning, inoperable
NHTSA complaint #11519501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the engine auto Start/Stop function was not operating as needed and the vehicle had a delay to start automatically upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driving over a pothole, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil of cylinder #1 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11506305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warning light on dashboard indicated right front headlamp out. Repair shop removed and replaced original component with new component. Internal inspection of light assembly revealed missing insulation(photos attached) on wiring harness causing a short circuit which also ruined the headlight igniter and control module. Shop stated that this issue is NOT uncommon with Volvo lighting systems. The current concern is the same condition is present in the left(driver) headlight and could cause a short and fire within the headlight assembly. Correspondence with Volvo resulted in no resolution of the issue and lack of concern for the reliability of installed components or possible safety concern for their product.
NHTSA complaint #11451886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the odometer would go black. The contact stated that the electrical system of the vehicle would fail causing all of the functions to start flashing, the brakes to stutter, and the transmission to fail. The contact stated no warning lights would be illuminated as the control panel would go black. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
NHTSA complaint #11425499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the instrument panel malfunctioned and failed to illuminate while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of an electrical failure that affected the brakes and the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact also mentioned that she had received NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V681000 (Air Bags) however, the part was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11422659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON 11/17/2020 WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP DECAL FOR MY CAR AND I GOT A MESSAGE THAT READ A CHECK AIRBAGS I DIDN'T HAVE ANY READING ON MY GAGES TURN SIGNAL FOR RIGHT TURN STAY LIT UP NOT BRINKING JUST ON , WHEN I STOPPED AND WENT IN BUILDING TO GET DECAL CAME BACK TO CAR STARTED IT MY GAGES CAME BACK WHICH WAS GLAD THEY WERE WORKING BUT STILL HAD MESSAGE ABOUT AIRBAGS
NHTSA complaint #11375302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERES A RECENT RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS OF THE 1999 S80 VOLVO THAT WE NEED OUR AIRBAGS REPLACED BECAUSE ITS A HAZARD THAT CAN LEAD UP TO DEATH. ALSO THE ELECTRICITY KEEPS ZAPPING DOWN FROM THE CAR CREATING NO STARTS OR VERY POOR DRIVING, I ALMOST WAS STRANDED BECAUSE THE CAR SEEMS LIKE IT WANTED TO SHUT DOWN ONE NIGHT I WAS GETTING OFF WORK, I HIT FULL GAS AND IT ONLY GAVE ME 3 MPH AND ALSO WHEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN ONE NIGHT FROM WORK I FEEL THE WHEEL FEEL LIKE ITS COMING APART FROM THE INSIDE OR LOOSENING I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT IT FEELS AND SOUNDS ROUGH
NHTSA complaint #11373728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SWAPPED BATTERY AT O'REILLY'S AUTO PARTS. ALL MANUFACTURER SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOLLOWED. AFTER SWAPPING OUT W/NEW BATTERY: CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE NOT WORKING- SRS AIRBAG 'SERVICE URGENT' ERRORS. VOLVO QUOTING $2500 TO REPLACE CCM, $800 FOR REBUILD-PROCESS. DIM IS ALSO FRIED. NO HEAT OR A/C- AIRBAG ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT RISK. QUICK SEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THIS IS A VOLVO ISSUE SPECIFIC TO S60, S80 & XC70 MODELS (ALL YEARS) FILED COMPLIANT W/VT STATE AG- CAP 2020-07438 ORIGINAL REPAIR ORDER ATTACHED
NHTSA complaint #11351616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WITHOUT PRECEDING EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS MONITORING THE CAR-CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, GAS GAUGE, VEHICLE RANGE, TIRE PRESSURE ETC HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11287760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND LATCH MECHANISM SEEMS TO GLITCH OUT, LEAVING DOOR IMPOSSIBLE TOCLOSE . IT TENDS TO REACTIVATE AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES WITH THE DOOR OPEN WARNING LIGHT ON. WEATHER DOESNT SEEM TO EFFECT IT LIKE FROZEN LOCKS. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED ON RANDOMLY EVEN ON 50 DEGREE DAYS. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ON THE VOLVO FORUMS.
NHTSA complaint #11172023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA RECALL" FRIST I CALLED VOLVO TO INQUIRE ABOUT RECALLS REFERENING TO THE COOLING SYSTEM AND THE FUEL PUMP THE FIRST LADY I SPOKE WITH INFORMED ME THIS PROBLEM WAS UNDER RECALLS AND TO TAKE MY CAR TO GET IT SERVICED AT THE NEAREST DEALER AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALER AT 7:15AM 4HOURS LATER AFTER I CALLED THEM FIRST THEY NOW ARE SAYING THAT THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO WITH MY CAR AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO TOLD ME THAT FALSE INFORMATION. ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS MY CAR ACCELERATES BY ITSELF LUCKY WHEN IT HAPPENS I HURRY AND PUSH THE BRAKES AND THE CAR DOSENT START UP ONCE TURNING THE KEY EVEN THE GUY SAY THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM. BASED ON HOW EXPENSIVE THIS CAR IS IT SEEM THERE WOULDN'T BE MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT OR IT SEEM THAT THEY WOULD AT LEAST TRY TODO SOMETHING ABOUT THE FALSE INFORMATION OVER ALL I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO AGAIN!
NHTSA complaint #11034522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLVO S80. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND. WALLACE VOLVO IN STUART, FLORIDA DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS HAVING A MASS AIR FLOW FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DON IMPORTS AUTO SERVICE IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A NEIGHBOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WALLACE VOLVO IN STUART, FLORIDA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11034282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. IN FEBRUARY 2017, WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, ALTERNATOR FAILED, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 2. IN AUGUST 2017, WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET, MESSAGE DISPLAYED ALERTING ON ENGINE OVERHEAT -- SLOW DOWN SPEED - THEN STOP IMMEDIATELY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. ON DIAGNOSTICS, WAS ESTABLISHED THAT ONLY ONE FAN WAS WORKING ON THE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY CAUSING OVERHEAT. 3. WHILE AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OF THE COOLING FAN, DIAGNOSTICS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING: - CODE ECM-PO19000: WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR FIRST (IF SAME CODE COMES BACK IN THE FUTURE, A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT WAS RECOMMENDED) - TAG LIGHT BULBS REGULARLY GO OUT - NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS CORRODED; REPLACEMENT NEEDED - POWER STEERING LINE LEAKING FROM RACK TO COOLER, REPLACEMENT NEEDED; RESERVOIR REPLACEMENT NEEDED -- HAS INTERNAL FILTER - POWER STEERING FLUID IS WHITE-CONTAMINATED - REPLACE NEEDED FOR THE FRONT STRUTS, MOUNTS, AND SUPPORT PLATES: STRUTS LEAKING
NHTSA complaint #11018754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK BULB WENT OUT HAD MESSAGE STATING BULB FAILURE REPLACED BULBS AND WITHIN 2 DAYS. LIGHTS WERE OUT AGAIN AND THE WIRING CONNECTED TO HEAD LIGHTS WERE FRAYED AS IF THEY HAD SHORTED OUT OR HAD MELTED AND THE BACK SIDE SIGNAL ON PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THAT TIME
NHTSA complaint #10992772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 248,000.
NHTSA complaint #10980093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.